Preliminary comparison of insolation measurements, forecasts, and estimates from satellite imagery
Two national insolation data products recently initiated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are examined and compared with ground measurements. The products are the National Weather Service (NWS) insolation forecasts and the National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) satellite estimates of insolation. All insolation data were converted to daily global horizontal insolation in units of kWh m/sup -2/ and divided by extraterrestrial radiation on a horizontal surface to yield atmospheric transmittance. The mean absolute difference in transmittance between ground measurements and the NOAA estimates ranged from .087 to 0.135 for the limited data set. Recommendations are: (1) to evaluate recent improvements to the NESDIS algorithm; (2) to define criteria for evaluation of the products with respect to purposes and specific applications; and (3) to perform expanded evaluations and refine algorithms if necessary.
- Research Organization:
- Solar Energy Research Inst. (SERI), Golden, CO (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC02-83CH10093
- OSTI ID:
- 6928164
- Report Number(s):
- SERI/TR-215-2046; ON: DE84004435
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: Portions are illegible in microfiche products. Original copy available until stock is exhausted
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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